9031.49 - Other:

HTS Code 9031.49 encompasses a broad range of optical instruments and appliances designed for measuring, checking, or inspecting, which are not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 9031. This category serves as a residual for optical measuring and checking devices that do not fall under more specific subheadings. The core function of items classified here is the application of optical principles to ascertain dimensions, detect flaws, or verify conformity of goods.

This category is distinct from its sibling, 9031.41, which is exclusively dedicated to optical instruments for the inspection of semiconductor wafers, devices, photomasks, and reticles. Therefore, 9031.49 covers optical inspection and measuring equipment used across a wider spectrum of industries and applications, not specifically limited to semiconductor manufacturing. Examples might include optical comparators for general dimensional analysis, surface roughness testers utilizing optical principles, or instruments for measuring the profile of manufactured parts.

Within 9031.49, further distinctions are made to accommodate specialized types of optical measuring and checking equipment. Subcategories exist for profile projectors, which display an enlarged optical image of a workpiece for dimensional inspection, and coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs) that employ optical probes to capture dimensional data. Additionally, there are provisions for instruments specifically designed for inspecting masks (other than semiconductor photomasks) and for measuring surface particulate contamination on semiconductor devices, as well as a residual "other" subheading for any remaining optical measuring and checking instruments not otherwise specified.